In the 12-year period of 2005 through 2016, canines killed 392 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 65% (254) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Horse Attack Sparks OutrageUPDATE 2/2/08: The four little horses that survived a pit bull attack are doing better. But the attack that left wounds and bite marks over much of their bodies has sparked outrage within a community that has suffered too many pit bull attacks recently.

Kevin Overstreet, Animal Services director, said he has received dozens of calls from residents asking, "What can we do to ban pit bulls in the city of Lubbock?"

The city of Lubbock cannot easily ban a specific breed. Texas state law prohibits such action. Lillian's Law, a state law that went into effect last year, holds owners more responsible for dog attacks against humans. But the new law does not include attacks on other animals. Sadly, the owners of the pit bulls that attacked the horses will not face criminal charges.

2/1/08: Pit Bulls Attack Five Miniature Horses, Killing OneLubbock, TX - Two pit bulls went on a violent rampage, killing one miniature horse, and seriously injuring four others. The horses are part of Hearts and Hooves of Lubbock, a non-profit organization that brings them to people who need therapeutic healing. The horse owner, Kauli Sparks said she got a knock on her door that morning.

"There are some dogs attacking your horses," said the neighbor.

It was a scene Kauli Sparks was not prepared to find. Four of her miniature horses bleeding profusely from their necks, ears and hind legs. Sparks quickly realized one miniature was missing. Oreo, which was one of the larger miniature horses, was actually dead in the stall. Sparks was outraged and confused.

"To think two dogs could do this to five horses is unbelievable to me." she said.

The two pit bulls were trapped in the barn and animal control found a microchip in one of the dogs identifying the owner's address. Overstreet says they have been called out to that address in the past. The dogs were signed over to be euthanized. Authorities are checking state law to find out if the dogs' owners will be held criminally for this attack.

Veterinary expenses will cost thousands of dollars. A fund has been set up for the Hearts and Hooves Organization at Security State Bank or you can make donations at HF&C Feed at 7811 W. 82nd.

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5 comments:

Anonymous | 2/01/2008 10:16 AM | Flag"Director of Animal Services Kevin Overstreet says they have been called out to that address in the past. The dogs have been signed over to be euthanized by the owner. Animal Services is checking state law to find out if the dogs' owners will be held criminally responsible for this attack."

Lemme get this straight...The Animal Services has to "check the law" to see if charges can be brought forth? Shouldn't these "professionals" know the law backwards and forwards?!

How ethereal.....

Anonymous | 2/01/2008 11:30 AM | FlagSo...once again, pit bull dogs wreak havoc, and the owners walk away. Authorities are checking state laws to see if they can charge them? The owners agree to euthanize the dogs...so what. In a few months, I'll bet the owners will have two more pit bulls.

My mother is in a nursing home, and they had a miniature horse come in as a part of a pet therapy program. You cannot imagine the joy these small horses bring to the residents.

I fear, eventually, people will be unable to keep livestock or family pets in ANY area where residents are allowed to own pit bull dogs; the risk to other animals is just too great. All it takes is ONCE for these dogs to get loose, and the results are tragic.

The owner of the small dog happened to have a video camera at the time...the camera was dangling from her arm and caught part of the attack. It's horrifying... you can hear her screaming, and see her dog down, being mauled. Her dog died in her arms. The owner of the two pit bulls, who brought them to a dog park and let them off leash, simply took her dogs and walked away after the attack.

David | 2/02/2008 10:27 AM | FlagPit bull owmers argue the stats are all wrong, that there is very little danger. I agree the stats are all wrong. They don't take into account the distance you live from the dogs. You are at a much greater risk if you have a large male chained up next door, than a person that lives five miles away. So the stats divide the danger up by the whole population instead of the neighborhood where the dogs live. humansafety1st@msn.com